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Based on a solid historical foundation of autism theory and research, this inclusive handbook integrates coverage of the broader scholarly literature with a trenchant analysis of the state of the field in nosology, etiology, assessment, and treatment.

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Since the early 1940s, when first identified as childhood psychosis and autistic psychopathy , autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has continued to burgeon into a major focus of inquiry and interest among researchers, practitioners, and the public alike. With each passing decade, the number of scholarly articles addressing ASD and related disabilities continues to soar. Today, thousands of papers on autism are published annually across various disciplines and journals, making it challenging - if not impossible - to keep pace with, let alone synthesize, all the latest developments.

Based on a solid historical foundation of autism theory and research, the International Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders integrates the broad scholarly base of literature with a trenchant analysis of the state of the field in nosology, etiology, assessment, and treatment. Its expert contributors examine recent findings and controversies (e.g., how prevalent autism actually is), along with longstanding topics of interest as well as emerging issues.

Coverage includes:

A survey of diagnostic criteria and assessment strategies.
Genetic, behavioral, biopsychosocial, and cognitive models.
Psychiatric disorders in persons with ASD.
Theory of mind and facial recognition.
Diagnostic instruments for assessing core features and challenging behaviors.
Evidence-based psychosocial, pharmacological, and integrative treatments.
Interventions specifically for adults with ASD.
Training issues for professionals and parents.
A review of findings of successful and promising therapies, coupled with guidance on how to distinguish between dubious and effective treatments.
The International Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders is an indispensable resource for researchers, professors, graduate students, and allied practitioners in clinical child and school psychology, child and adolescent psychiatry, education, social work, rehabilitation, pediatric medicine, and developmental psychology.

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From the reviews:
"This book presents a ´state of the art´ on many issues over 33 chapters and 580 pages ... . 80 experts explain a wide range of topics related to autism and PDD ... . highly appropriate and updated reference book on the big questions about autism, which will serve as a good basis for researchers, teachers and students of masters and degrees on autism, as well as special needs teachers, psychologists and other professionals interested in autism. ... I recommend reading this book ... ." (Francesc Sistach, iAutism, July, 2011)

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